Written Answers Nos. 1-100
97. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of foreshore licence applications that are currently in progress or pending relating to wind energy development in the south east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44218/21]
View answerMy Department is responsible for regulating the use of the foreshore through a system of leasing and licensing under the Foreshore Act 1933, as amended. Currently foreshore licence applications are being considered for site investigations to assist with site selection and for gathering environmental and technical data to inform the future location and detailed design of proposed offshore wind farms.
Energia currently have two applications for foreshore licences for site investigations on the South East coast. Licences have recently been granted following the assessment of these applications and the relevant notices of determination will be published shortly, as required under section 21 of the Foreshore Act 1933. Details of these applications can be viewed on my Department’s website.
There are also a number of pre-applications covering the same area of coastline that are currently undergoing technical review in my Department prior to being put forward to full application and public consultation stage of the assessment process for a foreshore licence.
An Investigative Foreshore Licence does not grant exclusivity to a developer on the area licensed. A licence holder may only carry out the works as specified in the licence and such a licence does not permit the development of an offshore wind farm. Such developments will be the subject of future applications under a new consenting regime which is due to be introduced under the Maritime Area Planning Bill.
99. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline his plan to assist more local authorities to acquire derelict properties compulsorily if necessary. [46473/21]
View answerThe 2018 Indecon Report on the Taxation of Vacant Residential Property recommended that a major programme of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO) should be activated by Local Authorities to purchase vacant properties, even when these dwellings are not suitable for social housing.
Housing for All: A new Housing Plan for Ireland provides for such a programme of CPO acquisitions, supported by a bridging finance facility from the Housing Finance Agency, which will allow Local Authorities to maximise opportunities to return vacant properties to productive use.
The objective of the programme, which will be introduced by the end of 2021, is for Local Authorities to acquire up to 2,500 vacant units by 2026 and present them to the open market for sale.
The Housing Agency will assist and advise Local Authorities with the CPO process. Vacant Homes Officers, already in situ in each Local Authority, will be responsible for driving this programme forward.
I encourage Local Authorities to be proactive in utilising their legislative powers for compulsory purchase, where necessary, with the aim of bringing the greatest number of recoverable long-term vacant dwellings and sites back into use. In many cases, however, the use of compulsory purchase powers is not necessary, as agreement to purchase can be reached between the local authority and the property owner.
